In data processing terminology, properly arranged and processed data that makes sense to the user is called what?

Introduction / Context:
This question concerns the basic distinction between data and information in computer science and information systems. Raw data consists of unprocessed facts and figures, while information is data that has been organised, processed and presented in a way that is meaningful to a user. This conceptual difference appears early in computer fundamentals courses and is frequently tested in competitive exams to ensure that learners understand the foundations of data handling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to properly arranged or processed data.
• It emphasises that the arranged data should be meaningful to the user.
• Options include information, file, field, words and record.
• We assume standard definitions used in data processing, database design and information theory.

Concept / Approach:
Data by itself can be random and unorganised. When it is processed, sorted, summarised and given context, it becomes information. For example, a list of sales numbers is data, while a report showing total sales by region is information. A file is a container used to store data and information on a storage device. A field refers to an individual data item within a record, such as a customer name. Words are just language units and do not necessarily form meaningful information until they are arranged properly. Therefore, the best term for properly arranged and meaningful data is information, which captures the idea that the data has been processed into a useful form.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Textbooks on information systems almost always start with definitions where data is described as raw facts and information as data that has been processed into a meaningful and useful form. Examples often show how raw numbers become informative charts or summaries. Database management books further describe files, records and fields as physical or logical structures in which data and information are stored. These sources consistently treat information as the outcome of arranging and processing data so that users can make decisions. This confirms that the correct answer to the question is information and not any of the structural terms used in the options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• File: A file is a container on disk that holds data or information but does not, by itself, guarantee that the contents are properly arranged or meaningful.
• Field: A field is a single data element such as a name or date within a record, not the overall result of processing data.
• Words: Words are language components; individual words or random sequences of words may not form useful information.
• Record: A record is a collection of related fields in a database, but the question asks about the concept of organised, meaningful data rather than a database structure.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may confuse storage structures with conceptual meanings and therefore choose file or record. It is helpful to remember that files, records and fields are containers and subdivisions of data storage, while information is the meaningful content produced when raw data is processed. When exam questions include phrases like properly arranged, processed, meaningful or useful for decision making, they are almost always pointing to the term information rather than to any storage related word.

Final Answer:
Properly arranged and processed data that is meaningful to the user is called Information.